WINGATE, N.C. – Despite stellar pitching performances in both games, Anderson University Softball (25-5, 8-2 SAC) had to settle for a split at South Atlantic Conference foe Wingate (23-12, 5-3 SAC) dropping a heart wrenching, 1-0, game one and winning game two, 5-1, on Saturday afternoon at the Wingate Softball Complex.
"Harlie pitched so well in game one," said head coach Tommy Hewitt. "We had bases loaded and no outs, but couldn't execute to drive runs in. We just didn't make adjustments at the plate giving any run support."
"Game two we lit it up," exclaimed Hewitt. "Maddie Carpenter hit two home runs along with a home run from Hannah Whitaker."
Game one, turned into a pitching duel as senior Harlie Duncan (10-2) pitched six innings, giving up four hits and striking out seven, while WU's Sydney Kale tossed a seven inning shutout, giving up five hits and striking out 10.
Anderson's best chance to put some runs on the board was in the top of the second inning. Senior Morgan Charter led off with a single to left field, followed by back to back misplayed bunts to load the bases with no outs. However, Kale regrouped and struck out the next three AU batters to close the door on the Trojans perfect scoring opportunity.
Wingate was able to push a run across in the bottom of the sixth inning. WU's Sara Stroud reached on a one-out double with Duncan striking out the next Bulldog batter. Brooks reached on a two-out walk with Maness drilling a ball up the middle that AU's Hannah Whitaker got a glove on, but could not secure in time to keep the eventual winning run from scoring. Reeves struck out looking to end the inning.
Anderson senior Gracie William's singled with two-outs in the seventh, but Kale was able to retire the last batter to secure the, 1-0, victory.
The Black and Gold bounced back in game two, scoring five runs which was plenty of runs to support sophomore Laken Maxwell's (14-3) effort. Maxwell pitched a complete game one-hitter, while striking out 10.
Freshman Maddie Carpenter hit two home runs driving in three RBI, while sophomore Hannah Whitaker hit a solo shot to right field. Junior Olivia Rose Wheeler drilled a pinch hit double to drive in a run for the Trojans. Senior Kayson Boatner went 2-for-4 and Williams collected two hits and a run scored in game two.
No. 24 Anderson returns home on Tuesday to host SAC opponent Tusculum. First-pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 2 pm.
